Hopefully making theology simpler to understand! (2 Corinthians 1:12)

Let us continue looking at the hymns and songs that have made a big impact on my spiritual life.

This week, I bring you two hymns that are simply … wondrous.

The Old Rugged Cross

Lyrics

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suff’ring and shame;
And I love that old cross where the Dearest and Best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it someday for a crown.

Oh, that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above
To bear it to dark Calvary.
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it someday for a crown.

In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see,
For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it someday for a crown.

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then He’ll call me someday to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I’ll share.
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it someday for a crown.

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

Lyrics

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.

See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

A few thoughts:

The work of the cross is central to Christianity!

Without the perfect, sinless sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, there is no forgiveness of sin. Without the atoning work of Christ on the cross, we are still steeped in and deceived by our sin.

For the joy set before Him, having the hope of eternity with the Father and joined with the Saints, He endured the pain and shame of the cross to bring about our forgiveness. (Philippians 2, Hebrews 12)

If we claim to believe it, we are no longer our own (and never really were). Instead, we are God’s, and He commands all of our life. We owe Him everything, for He made the ultimate sacrifice to redeem our souls and our life on this Earth.

Turn to the cross and repent. Allow Christ to indwell you and change you by the Holy Spirit to the glory of the Father.

a simple man of God

Do we truly love the Lord our God with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strengths? Maybe I can help with the mind part, at least! This is Daniel M. Klem, apparent poet, reluctant yet passionate Disciple (Peter?), and foolish man attempting to understand theology!